Just a question about dive boats

[ctp]

My wife and I are going to do our first boat dive in the very near future, and I figured I would look to you all for the information we need to remember. We have made many shore dives, but want to to find out the proper etiqute (sorry if spelling sucks) for the boat dive.. how much stuff is too much, entering and exiting and just the all around right things to do to make it smooth as we can. Yes we will be on a vacation to enjoy a dive but so will other people and I dont want to ruin anyones trip just like I dont want mine ruined by someone on the boat. Thanks for reading this post and any help that you can give.

 

[nucem]

Only take what you need on the boat, space is limited. When gearing up stay in your own space and keep you gear in your space. I would also recomend labeling your gear since things can get mixed up on a cramped boat. Listen to the Divemaster during the safety breifing and if you have any questions ask the DM that is what they are there for. Overall just be respectful of everyone on board and you will have an enjoyable experience.

 

[lishen]

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. if there is a photo bucket, its for cameras only don't dip your mask with defog in it because it can ruin the housings/seals
2. bring only what is necessary because most boats are crammed for space
3. set up your gear and then store your bag under your seat/bench
4. keep your stuff in one spot, not sprawled around the boat. upon getting out of the water, pick up your fins and put them under your seat so people don't trip on them especially if they've got their tanks on and the swells are tossing the boat back and forth.
5. listen to the dive briefing, safety info, etc...
6. be curteous

i'm sure more people will chirp in with their suggestions.

*edit* looks like nucem beat me to the punch...

 

[REII]

In short be courteous of others. The issue on dive boats is space, especially since everyone is doing the same thing at the same time. ie gearing up etc.

TOM

 

[Meng_Tze]

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

2. bring only what is necessary because most boats are crammed for space

and bring spares for these........ mask and fin straps, o-rings, mouth piece, some line and a lighter maybe, ductape works wonders on many things, seasickness pills.

Think of being on a boat as being on an island... no shops around to get some things, be self sufficient

 

[trigfunctions]

The most important recommendation I can make is to take seasickness medicine unless you know for sure that you do not get seasick. Better safe than sorry - even if the seas are calm. Seasickness can make a nice dive day completely miserable. I usually take a dramamine first thing in the morning and another about an hour before getting on the boat and it works for me, but everyone is different. Once you're seasick, the medicine won't help you so you need to take it in advance.

 

[divekraz]

Great question, I wish more people would ask what should they do. You've got all good answers here, I think the 2 most important are to listen to the crew and keep your gear out of the way. Quick example. Was on a dive trip to Martinque from St. Lucia. The seas were pretty rough and the captain told everyone if they needed to get up for any reason at all to let him know so he could slow the boat down so they could move more safely. About an hour into the trip a French couple, late 30's, doctors, decided they both wanted to put on their wet suits and did not inform the crew. The wife stood up in the middle of the deck and was literally jumping up and down to get into her wet suit. She fell over and hurt her head, nothing serious but a bump. The captain decided to end the trip and took us all back to port. They ended up taking the group to the pinacles at St. Lucia without the French couple so we at least got some diving in.

 

[3ddiver]

A small dry box for wallet(tip money) and keys or a dry bag for towels and clothes that can be stored in the foreward compartments. Keep the isles as clear as possible. If the seas are rough be careful of the ladder when getting on, timing is everything. ENJOY

 

[fishballer]

first one in the water does not win a prize

 

[jeffrey-c]

Be hyper-courteous to all, boat crew and fellow divers alike. If you don't know something, ask. And remember that not everyone on the boat wants to hear all your great diving stories and how good you are. I'm sure you aren't the type (you've already demonstrated you aren't the type by seeking advice on this board), but we've all been on boats where there was always at least one person that seemed to want to let everyone know they make Cousteau look like a OW certification washout. "Better to keep one's mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt."